Hyderabad: Gurudwaras in Hyderabad are preparing to celebrate the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru and the founder of Sikhism. This celebration, known as Prakash Utsav, will include several events, including large processions. One of the major events will be a grand Nagar Kirtan (holy procession) organized by the Gurudwara Saheb in Secunderabad on Monday.
The celebrations will take place in the twin cities from November 11 to 15. Several Gurudwaras, including Guru Singh Sabha, Guru Nanak Marg, Ashok Bazar, Afzalgunj, and Gurudwara Saheb Secunderabad, are working together to ensure the success of these events. Two major Nagar Kirtans will be held during the celebration. The first will take place on November 11 at 4 PM from Gurudwara Saheb Secunderabad, and the second will be on November 13 starting from Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Guru Nanak Marg, Ashok Bazar, and Afzalgunj, also at 4 PM.
The Prabhandak Committee members have shared details about the procession. On Monday, at 4 PM, the Nagar Kirtan will feature Guru Granth Sahebji, the holy scripture of the Sikhs, carried on a beautifully decorated vehicle. The procession will also include religious flags called Nishaan Sahebans. The route will pass through Manohar Talkies, Clock Tower, BATA, Patny Circle, Kingsway, Monda Market, Alpha Hotel, and will return to Gurudwara Saheb Secunderabad in the evening. Thousands of devotees are expected to participate.
One of the main attractions of the procession will be the display of Gatka, a traditional Sikh martial art. The Dashmesh Kalgidhar Jatha and other special Gatka groups will perform impressive sword exercises during the procession.
In addition to the processions, a Vishaal Deewan (mass congregation) will be held on November 15, which is Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary. This event will take place at the Exhibition Grounds on Nampally Road from 10:30 AM to 4 PM. Over 25,000 to 30,000 Sikh devotees and people from other faiths are expected to attend. The organizers plan to invite Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to the event.
During the mass congregation, Gurbani Keertans (holy hymns) will be recited by Ragi Jathas (religious preachers) invited from different parts of India, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar and Nanded. A night Keertan Darbar will also be held on Thursday at Gurudwara Saheb Secunderabad, with another one planned at Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Afzalgunj, on Friday.
